Vulcanolgy
Observation
The winding road up to the Observation Center has a series of
well developed cave and tunnel systems, as does nearly every other
road and ravine in the town area of Rabaul. This view shows three
large entries, and several "foxhole" type depressions
for individuals to crouch in, or equipment to be stowed during
an air attack.
Network of Tunnels
This
close up view shows the careful tunnel construction, and the side tunnel that
branches off to the immediate left. These tunnels have survived remarkably over
60 years, and are large enough to comfortably live inside.
Remnants
of Truck
Most of the caves are empty. There contents
either divided between locals, or munitions and guns dumped into the sea long
ago. Others, have some bits of wreckage, like the remains of this truck. Others
have coils of wire or other supplemental remains.
Commanding View
The observatory has a commanding view of the active and dormant
volcanoes of the area. The old town, covered by ash during the
1994 eruption is to the left of
the photograph. In the center is Simpson
Harbor. In the lower section of the photo are building of
the new town, reconstructed after the eruption.
Return to Memorials | Rabaul
| Main Page